September 2025 was one of the busiest months of the year for UK hospitality and catering, marked by a flood of new restaurant launches, brand expansions, major awards, senior appointments, and strategic partnerships. Conscious dining, sustainability, and cultural collaborations remained key themes, alongside investment in people and recognition of excellence across the sector.
Gold Service Scholarship – Published: September 1, 2025
Announcement: Applications opened for the prestigious 2026 Gold Service Scholarship, supporting the next generation of front-of-house hospitality talent.
Read more: Gold Service Scholarship 2026 is open for applications
Côte Brasserie – Published: September 1, 2025
Announcement: Côte Brasserie launched its ICON range, introducing elevated premium dishes across its restaurants.
Read more: Côte Brasserie launches ICON range
Zuaya / Bottega 35 – Published: September 1, 2025
Announcement: Kensington’s Zuaya closed its doors, replaced by Bottega 35, a Tuscan-inspired dining destination.
Read more: Goodbye Zuaya, hello Bottega 35
Barnacle Restaurant – Published: September 2, 2025
Announcement: Paul and Harry Askew announced the launch of Barnacle Restaurant & Bar in Liverpool this autumn.
Read more: Paul and Harry Askew launching Barnacle in Liverpool
Amazing Grace – Published: September 2, 2025
Announcement: Amazing Grace revealed plans to open a new live music bar and restaurant in Canary Wharf in October 2025.
Read more: Amazing Grace to open in Canary Wharf
Elsa– Published: September 2, 2025
Announcement: Charlotte Street’s Alsatian-inspired bistro and wine bar “July” rebranded as Elsa.
Read more: July announces name change to Elsa
Prezzo Italian – Published: September 2, 2025
Announcement: Prezzo launched new employee benefits and opened a new Edinburgh site with half-price food offers.
Read more: Prezzo unveils new employee benefits
Thom Evans / Matcha Activation – Published: September 3, 2025
Announcement: Rugby star Thom Evans surprised commuters at Clapham Junction with matcha drinks and newspapers.
Read more: Thom Evans spotted at Clapham Junction
Scott Hallsworth – Published: September 4, 2025
Opening: Scott Hallsworth launched Kuroyoko in Balham, a restaurant inspired by Tokyo’s hidden alleys.
Read more: Scott Hallsworth launches Kuroyoko
Buzzworks – Published: September 4 2025
Appointment: Buzzworks appointed a new Director of Food and later an Operations Director to drive growth.
Read more: Buzzworks strengthens leadership
Prezzo Edinburgh – Published: September 4, 2025
Announcement: Prezzo Italian opened a new Edinburgh restaurant with a promotional half-price launch.
Read more: Prezzo Italian Edinburgh opens
Chef Alan Coxon – Published: September 4, 2025
Announcement: Alan Coxon unveiled plans for his new restaurant concept, J-Kell: The Salon.
Read more: Alan Coxon to launch J-Kell
Robin Gill – Published: September 5, 2025
Opening: Robin Gill opened Bar Brasso, an all-day café, deli, and aperitivo bar.
Read more: Bar Brasso opens in London
Wales Restaurant Week – Published: September 6, 2025
Announcement: Wales announced its first nationwide Restaurant Week to promote coastal and MasterChef-inspired dining.
Read more: Wales launches Restaurant Week
Oui Madame – Published: September 7, 2025
Opening: Oui Madame launched in Islington, opening bookings for its French-inspired dining concept.
Read more: Oui Madame launches
Wingstop UK – Published: September 8, 2025
Appointment: Wingstop UK promoted Faye Ryder-Humphries to People Director.
Read more: Wingstop UK appoints People Director
Hard Rock Café Manchester – Published: September 8, 2025
Announcement: Hard Rock Café Manchester celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Read more: Hard Rock Café Manchester celebrates 25 years
Avocado Croast Breakfast – Published: September 8, 2025
Announcement: A new breakfast trend featuring avocado “croast” and courgette flowers gained traction.
Read more: The breakfast everyone’s talking about
The Beefy Boys – Published: September 8, 2025
Opening: The Beefy Boys unveiled their new Oxford restaurant.
Read more: The Beefy Boys open Oxford site
Liam Dillon – Published: September 9, 2025
Opening: Liam Dillon of The Boat opened his second restaurant, The Two Pigs.
Read more: Liam Dillon opens The Two Pigs
Imad Alarnab – Published: September 9, 2025
Opeing: Imad Alarnab launched Aram, a new café-deli-restaurant concept at Somerset House.
Read more: Aram launches at Somerset House
Arc Inspirations – Published: September 9, 2025
Announcement: Arc Inspirations revealed its new BOX Piccadilly venue.
Read more: Arc Inspirations reveals BOX Piccadilly
The Sushi Co – Published: September 9, 2025
Expansions: The Sushi Co expanded with successful openings in Walthamstow and confirmed seven new sites.
Read more: The Sushi Co confirms expansion
ProteinMate – Published: September 9, 2025
Announcement: ProteinMate launched in the City with a health-focused menu.
Read more: ProteinMate launches in London
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – Published: September 9, 2025
Announcement: The Belmond hotel announced a redevelopment to honour Raymond Blanc OBE’s legacy.
Read more: Le Manoir announces redevelopment
Nattycancook – Published: September 10, 2025
Announcement: Nattycancook confirmed the launch of his first restaurant, 2210, opening in October.
Read more: Nattycancook to launch 2210
Farzi – Published: September 10, 2025
Announcement: Farzi expanded catering with Tiffin Boxes and launched a legendary Sunday brunch.
Read more: Farzi expands with new concepts
COSMO – Published: September 10, 2025
Announcement: COSMO celebrated 12 years of trading while supporting local families.
Read more: COSMO marks 12 years
Noisy Oyster – Published: September 10, 2025
Announcement: Noisy Oyster launched a brunch menu in collaboration with Normans.
Read more: Noisy Oyster launches brunch
Atherton’s Row on 5 – Published: September 12, 2025
Opening: Atherton’s Row on 5 topped Harden’s London Restaurants Guide and later won 5 AA Rosettes.
Read more: Row on 5 wins awards
CE LA VI London – Published: September 12, 2025
Opening: CE LA VI London officially opened to the public.
Read more: CE LA VI London opens
Nela – Published: September 13, 2025
Opening: Amsterdam’s acclaimed live-fire concept Nela opened at The Whiteley, London.
Read more: Nela launches in London
Pavyllon London – Published: September 14, 2025
Announcement: Pavyllon London launched an exclusive wine dinner series.
Read more: Pavyllon London launches wine dinners
Bill’s – Published: September 15, 2025
Opening: Bill’s Restaurant returned to Leicester’s Highcross.
Read more: Bill’s returns to Leicester
Meet Bros – Published: September 15, 2025
Opening: London’s halal steakhouse Meet Bros announced its second site in Shoreditch.
Read more: Meet Bros to open second site
El Pirata – Published: September 16, 2025
Event: El Pirata Mayfair hosted a special World Paella Day celebration.
Read more: El Pirata celebrates Paella Day
Burger Drop Middlesbrough – Published: September 17, 2025
Opening: Over 1,000 burgers were served at Burger Drop’s Middlesbrough opening.
Read more: Burger Drop opens in Middlesbrough
Tsuchi – Published: September 17, 2025
Opeing: Chef Nina Matsunaga introduced Tsuchi, her new restaurant concept.
Read more: Tsuchi launches
The Ivy Asia – Published: September 17, 2025
Announcement: The Ivy Asia confirmed its Liverpool opening ahead of the festive season.
Read more: The Ivy Asia to open in Liverpool
The Fat Duck – Published: September 17, 2025
Announcement: Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck launched “The Mindful Experience” exploring conscious eating.
Read more: The Fat Duck launches mindful dining
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants / Clermont Hotel Group – Published: September 17, 2025
Announcement: Announced partnership to launch the UK’s first Hell’s Kitchen at The Clermont Hotel, London.
Read more: Ramsay and Clermont partner for Hell’s Kitchen
The Clink Charity – Published: September 18, 2025
Event: Hosting a special dining evening with chef-author Jon Watts at The Clink Restaurant, HMP Brixton, combining food, storytelling, and fundraising for prison rehabilitation.
Read more: The Clink Charity announces exclusive dining experience with Jon Watts at HMP Brixton
Taro Brighton – Published: September 18, 2025
Announcement: Taro confirmed its new Brighton site opening.
Read more: Taro Brighton opens
Ullapool Restaurant – Published: September 19, 2025
Announcement: A new sustainability initiative launched with a “Food Miles Challenge.”
Read more: Ullapool restaurant launches food miles challenge
German Doner Kebab – Published: September 19, 2025
Expansion: Reached its 150th UK site with a new opening on Leeds Boar Lane, marking rapid nationwide growth since 2015.
Read more: German Doner Kebab hits 150 UK sites amid rapid nationwide expansion
Maki Ramen – Published: September 19, 2025
Announcement: Maki Ramen joined the Metrocentre, completing lettings at The Qube.
Read more: Maki Ramen opens
Canteen Food Hall – Published: September 19, 2025
Announcement: Two new culinary concepts launched at Canteen Food Hall & Bar.
Read more: Canteen Food Hall launches new concepts
Farzi London – Published: September 19, 2025
Launch: Introduced a weekly Bottomless Sunday Brunch featuring Indian street food, live entertainment, and an open mic for emerging artists.
Read more: Farzi launches legendary Sunday brunch with bottomless food, live entertainment, and open mic for emerging artists
JKS Restaurants – Published: September 19, 2025
Appointment: JKS Restaurants appointed Pavan Pardasani as Global CEO to lead international expansion.
Read more: JKS Restaurants appoints new CEO
Caprinos Pizza – Published: September 19, 2025
Expansion: Caprinos Pizza opened three new sites in seven days.
Read more: Caprinos Pizza expands
Field to Fork Cheshire – Published: September 20, 2025
Announcement: Hosted an autumn supper club at Lost restaurant.
Read more: Field to Fork Cheshire hosts supper club
Namaste Village – Published: September 20, 2025
Expansion: Namaste Village expanded with a new Oxford location.
Read more: Namaste Village opens in Oxford
Heavenly Desserts – Published: September 22, 2025
Announcement: Heavenly Desserts began trialling an all-day brunch offering in select Midlands sites.
Read more: Heavenly Desserts trials brunch
China Tang – Published: September 22, 2025
Event: China Tang at The Dorchester celebrated its 20th anniversary with a star-studded party.
Read more: China Tang celebrates 20 years
The Chester Hotel – Published: September 22, 2025
Announcement: The Chester Hotel unveiled The Gallery Bar & Restaurant after significant investment.
Read more: The Chester Hotel unveils new venue
Cardiff Restaurant – Published: September 22, 2025
Announcement: A new natural wine bar and neighbourhood restaurant opened in Cardiff.
Read more: Cardiff welcomes new dining destination
Cameron House Resort – Published: September 23, 2025
Announcement: Cameron House launched Lomas Kitchen Garden to support sustainable fine dining.
Read more: Lomas Kitchen Garden launches
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global & The Clermont Hotel Group – Published: September 23, 2025
Partnership: Announced the UK debut of Hell’s Kitchen, set to open in Spring 2026 at The Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch, London.
Read more: Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global and The Clermont Hotel Group partner to open UK’s first Hell’s Kitchen
AA Awards – Published: September 23, 2025
Announcement: Multiple hotels and restaurants — including The Forest Side, Farlam Hall, Northamptonshire Hotel, and The Braywood — received prestigious AA Rosettes and Star awards.
Read more: AA Awards 2025 results
The Forest Side (Grasmere) – Published: September 23, 2025
Award: Celebrated its elevation to 5 AA Rosettes, placing it among the UK’s top-tier dining establishments.
Read more: The Forest Side celebrates prestigious 5 AA Rosettes
Foxhills Club & Resort – Published: September 23, 2025
Award: Achieved the prestigious AA Four Red Star status, recognising it among the UK’s elite hotels for excellence in service, facilities, and guest experience.
Read more: Foxhills Club & Resort awarded prestigious AA Four Red Stars
Northamptonshire Hotel – Published: September 23, 2025
Award: Awarded its third AA Rosette for exceptional modern British fine dining at the hotel’s restaurant.
Read more: Northamptonshire Hotel awarded prestigious third AA Rosette
Gloria X Alfredo Alla Scrofa – Published: September 23, 2025
Event: October Guides highlights a special culinary event on October 28 at the historic Gloria X Alfredo Alla Scrofa.
Read more: October Guides: Gloria X Alfredo Alla Scrofa 28 October
Farlam Hall, Cumbria – Published: September 24, 2025
Award: The Cedar Tree Restaurant at Farlam Hall received 4 AA Rosettes, recognising high standards of cuisine and service.
Read more: Leading Cumbria hotel Farlam Hall awarded 4 AA Rosettes
Beleza Rodizio – Published: September 24, 2025
Opening: The Brazilian steakhouse chain announces a new location opening in Solihull, expanding its UK presence.
Read more: Beleza Rodizio is coming to Solihull
The Sushi Co – Published: September 24, 2025
Expansion: Confirms seven new UK openings as part of its ongoing growth strategy.
Read more: The Sushi Co confirms seven new openings
Pizza Pilgrims – Published: September 24, 2025
Opening: Confirms the launch date for its first Birmingham pizzeria, expanding its UK footprint.
Read more: Pizza Pilgrims confirms opening date for first Birmingham pizzeria
Prezzo Italian – Published: September 25, 2025
Leadership: CEO launches Brava Hospitality Group, signalling strategic growth and diversification within the company.
Read more: Prezzo Italian CEO launches Brava Hospitality Group
The Braywood – Published: September 25, 2025
Award: Received 3 AA Rosettes, highlighting excellence in culinary standards and service.
Read more: The Braywood awarded 3 AA Rosettes 2025
Row on 5 – Published: September 25, 2025
Award: Achieved 5 AA Rosettes, becoming the first restaurant in the award’s history to jump directly to 5 Rosettes.
Read more: Row on 5 awarded 5 AA Rosettes 2025
Carlo Scotto – Published: September 26, 2025
Announcement: Carlo Scotto announced “Bear,” his most ambitious culinary venture yet.
Read more: Carlo Scotto launches Bear
The Ivy Northcote Road Brasserie – Published: September 26, 2025
Opening: Officially opened its doors in Battersea, following a glamorous launch party featuring Tallia Storm and live entertainment.
Read more: First look inside The Ivy Northcote Road Brasserie as Battersea celebrates in style
Atis – Published: September 27, 2025
Colloboration: Atis launched a Ukrainian-inspired limited edition bowl with Olia Hercules in support of Superhumans charity.
Read more: Atis launches collaboration
Chaiiwala – Published: September 27, 2025
Announcement: Chaiiwala opened a new Indian street food café in Hayes.
Read more: Chaiiwala opens in Hayes
The Huddle – Published: September 27, 2025
Menu Launch: Unveiled a versatile new menu offering dishes from breakfast to evening dining, featuring Mediterranean meatballs, charred halibut, Neapolitan pizzas, and signature cocktails like the 1963.
Read more: London’s Latest Dining Destination Announces its Vibrant New Menu
Serra – Published: September 28, 2025
Collaboration: Introduced a ‘Farm-to-Mayfair Table’ dinner series in partnership with Horrell & Horrell, highlighting seasonal produce from their Somerset smallholding.
Read more: Serra Introduces Farm-to-Mayfair Table Dinner Series in Collaboration with Horrell & Horrell
Joe & The Juice – Published: September 28, 2025
Expansion: Opened its first store in Morocco and celebrated the milestone of 100 franchise locations globally.
Read more: Joe & The Juice Opens First Store in Morocco and Celebrates 100th Franchise Location
Coco Brazil Rodizio Bar & Grill – Published: September 29, 2025
Opening: Set to launch on Bold Street, Liverpool, on October 8, offering a two-floor dining experience with Rodízio service, à la carte menu, live music, and a vibrant Brazilian atmosphere.
Read more: New Vibrant Brazilian Restaurant Set to Bring Bigger Buzz to Bold Street
Buzzworks – Published: September 29, 2025
Appointment: Appointed JP McKeown as the new Operations Director to drive the next phase of growth for the award-winning Scottish hospitality operator.
Read more: Buzzworks Appoints New Operations Director to Drive Next Phase of Growth
The Clink at HMP Brixton – Published: September 29, 2025
Seasonal Launch: Introduced a festive Christmas menu and seasonal gifts for 2025, offering a range of dining options and gift items that support its mission of reducing reoffending through training and rehabilitation.
Read more: The Clink at HMP Brixton Launches Festive Christmas Menu and Seasonal Gifts for 2025
House of Louie – Published: September 30, 2025
Announcement: House of Louie debuted in London with a “three acts” dining concept.
Read more: House of Louie launches
AKI London – Published: September 30, 2025
Opening: AKI London opened at One Cavendish Square, offering modern Japanese cuisine.
Read more: AKI London opens
Tortilla – Published: September 30, 2025
Announcement: Tortilla reported record UK profitability as its European expansion advanced.
Read more: Tortilla delivers record results
Honest Burgers – Published: September 30, 2025
Acquisition: Honest Burgers confirmed acquisition of 12 GBK sites nationwide.
Read more: Honest Burgers acquires GBK
Big Table Group – Published: September 30, 2025
Announcement: Big Table Group announced a second year of partnership with Dreams Come True after raising £160,000.
Read more: Big Table Group continues charity partnership
Plaza Khao Gaeng – Published: September 30, 2025
Opening: Plaza Khao Gaeng confirmed its opening at Borough Yards in November.
Read more: Plaza Khao Gaeng to open
Summary and Analysis
September 2025 highlighted rapid expansion, leadership appointments, and record-breaking growth across the UK hospitality sector. Major operators such as Honest Burgers, JKS Restaurants, and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants pushed forward with acquisitions, international strategies, and high-profile partnerships, while independents like Barnacle, The Two Pigs, and Aram at Somerset House launched distinctive new venues. A surge in openings — from The Ivy Asia Liverpool to Nela at The Whiteley and multiple casual dining rollouts by Caprinos Pizza, Sushi Co, and Tortilla — underscored strong sector confidence and consumer appetite for new experiences.
Innovation and creativity were equally prominent, with restaurants introducing immersive concepts (House of Louie’s “three acts” dining, The Fat Duck’s “Mindful Experience”), cultural collaborations (Atis with Olia Hercules, The Clink’s prisoner rehabilitation dining), and unique product launches (Farzi’s brunch, Côte’s ICON range, ProteinMate’s health-driven offer). Award wins, such as Row on 5’s 5 AA Rosettes and China Tang’s 20th anniversary celebrations, reinforced the UK’s global reputation for culinary excellence.
Sustainability and social value remained central themes, seen in Cameron House’s Lomas Kitchen Garden, Ullapool’s food miles challenge, COSMO’s community support, and ISS-style long-term impact initiatives. Overall, September 2025 demonstrated a sector that is scaling ambitiously while embedding responsibility, creativity, and cultural resonance into its operations, reaffirming hospitality as a vital economic and social force in the UK.
